Meena Bindra turned an Rs 8,000 loan into an Rs 800 crore business empire, transforming her passion for sewing into 'Biba,' one of India’s largest ethnic wear brands.
With determination and resilience, success can be attained even in the toughest circumstances. Meena Bindra from Mumbai exemplifies this spirit. At the age of 40, she transformed her passion for sewing into a flourishing business. Today, her company, 'Biba,' is recognised as one of India’s largest ethnic wear brands. What began with a modest Rs 8,000 loan and no formal training has now grown into a venture with a turnover exceeding Rs 800 crore.
Background
Born and raised in Delhi, Meena Bindra graduated from Miranda House, Delhi University. She married at the age of 20 and, like many homemakers, devoted herself to raising her two sons, Sanjay and Siddharth. However, Meena always nurtured a desire to accomplish something meaningful. When her children grew older, she took the first step towards realising this aspiration.
New beginnings at 40
At the age of 40, Meena decided to transform her passion for sewing into a business. She started by selling simple cotton printed suits from home, despite having no prior business experience or specialised training. To kick things off, she organised an exhibition in her brother's vacant flat in Mumbai, showcasing her self-designed suits. To her surprise, every piece sold out at her very first exhibition.
Family's support
Meena's husband initially supported her entrepreneurial journey, helping her secure an Rs 8,000 loan from the bank. With this, Meena created a range of simple suits featuring block prints, which she showcased at her first exhibition. To her delight, most of the suits sold out, effectively doubling her investment. Gradually, she began receiving orders from prominent stores in Mumbai, and demand for her suits surged in the film and television industry as well.
Gaining popularity
In Punjabi, the word 'Biba' means a lovely or beautiful girl, and Meena chose this name for her brand to create a relatable and homely identity. Biba received its first significant Bollywood break with the movie 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum,' starring Hrithik Roshan and Esha Deol, when they were approached for a partnership related to the film. From that moment on, there was no looking back for Biba.
Over 300 brand outlets
Today, Biba products are available in over 300 brand outlets and 275 multi-brand outlets across India. Moreover, the brand boasts a strong e-commerce platform, enabling customers nationwide to shop for its ethnic wear online. Biba has made a significant impact on India’s ethnic wear industry, carving out a unique niche for itself. It has become a leading choice, especially among women, for Indian traditional attire.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.